What Is the Best Cream for Shingles?

The best creams for shingles are topical antibiotics, according to WebMD. Topical antibiotics help prevent infection of the shingles blisters and will help heal shingles rash faster.

For those who need pain relief from shingles, topical anesthetics with benzocaine can be applied on the skin, and these are available over the counter. Topical anesthetics with lidocaine are also helpful, but these are available only through a doctor’s prescription, according to WebMD.

Topical creams with capsaicin can also be used for pain relief, according to WebMD. However, patients should get a doctor's advice when using this cream as it can irritate or burn the skin.

For home remedies, using a cool compress on the rashes and applying calamine lotion after the compress can help ease the pain and itching. Applying baking soda or cornstarch on the shingles sores can help in faster healing as well, says WebMD.